Several sources are reporting that Tony Stewart and JGR have begun talks to let Stewart leave JGR at the end of this season. Stewart is under contract to JGR through the end of 2009. JGR switched manufacturers from Chevy to Toyota before the beginning of this season. Stewart has a relationship with GM and Chevy with his own race teams.

One scenario being rumored is that Stewart will go to the HAAS/CNC race team as a full partner and also drive one of their two Chevys. Joe Custer, GM for HAAS/CNC admitted that they have talked with Stewart's people. He said they are very interested, yet have talked with other groups also. ESPN.com and SI.com are reporting that it's a done deal.

Rick Hendrick is said to be calling the shots for HAAS/CNC while their owner, Gene Haas, sits in jail on tax charges. Hendrick is the main reason that Stewart would consider leaving Joe Gibbs after 10 years together. Hendrick could promise Stewart even more help than HMS gives HAAS now. There would also be the posibility of Hendrick helping Stewart start his own team sooner or later. Rick Hendrick made the deal with Dale Earnhardt Jr. work. He could do the same with Stewart.